BANGKA – As part of its commitment to environmental sustainability, PT Timah continues to launch initiatives supporting energy resilience and reducing greenhouse gas emissions through tree-planting programs.
This time, PT Timah Tbk collaborated with the Bangka Regency Government, the Indonesian Renewable Energy Society (METI), and PLN Bangka Belitung to plant 1,500 Angsana trees at the Balai Karya Energy Park in Sungailiat on Friday (February 28, 2025).
The mass planting of Angsana trees is part of PT Timah’s strategy to support energy resilience and curb greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.
Ir. Widi Pancono, Head of METI's Division III, emphasized that tree planting and reforestation on critical land and former mining areas are positive steps toward achieving the government's goal of significantly reducing energy subsidies.
He noted that the national energy transition target is 25%, but progress currently stands at only 12-13%, making further improvements essential over the next five years.
"This energy plantation has multiple benefits. On one hand, PT Timah is restoring the environment, and on the other, it creates economic opportunities for the community. Locals can later participate in managing the woodchips or timber by-products," he said.
Angsana trees offer numerous environmental benefits, including absorbing carbon dioxide, producing oxygen, and preventing soil erosion. This makes them an ideal species for supporting energy resilience.
Widi explained that Angsana trees are relatively easy to maintain and that Bangka's unique soil conditions are well-suited for cultivating various plant species, such as acacia.
"Angsana trees grow rapidly in Bangka. Their branches can be pruned for woodchip production. By 2030, the targeted emissions reduction is 400 million tons of CO2. A 10-meter Angsana tree can produce 270 kg of oxygen, which could sustain around 200 people per day—making this initiative highly beneficial for the environment," he added.
He also expressed hope that PT Timah Tbk would continue supporting and contributing to government programs in the future.
"Our Bioenergy concept focuses on developing energy forests outside protected forest areas, directly involving local communities. Currently, power plants in Bangka import coal, but with this initiative, Bangka residents could supply wood instead," he said.
Widi praised PT Timah for collaborating with the Bangka Regency Government and PLN to advance this initiative, reinforcing national energy resilience efforts.
Meanwhile, Fajri Hutazami, Operations and Maintenance Assistant Manager at PT PLN Persero UPK Babel, stated that this program exemplifies synergy among state-owned enterprises (BUMN), aligning with PT PLN’s co-firing program.
Fajri explained that co-firing is PLN’s strategy to reduce carbon emissions and accelerate the energy transition, first implemented in September 2022.
"This initiative supports the co-firing program by increasing woodchip availability. Our 2025 target is to utilize 60,000 tons of woodchips at the Air Anyir Power Plant. Currently, we are only at 13%, but we aim to reach 25% as raw material availability increases. Currently, we consume about 100 tons of woodchips per day, producing an average of 68 MWh of green energy," he explained.
He expressed hope that this initiative would help meet the growing demand for woodchip raw materials.
"If tree-planting initiatives like this are not carried out, woodchip production could be disrupted. We deeply appreciate PT Timah’s efforts in supporting this program," said Fajri.
Anggi Siahaan, PT Timah’s Department Head of Corporate Communication, highlighted the company’s various initiatives to strengthen energy resilience, including utilizing environmentally friendly energy in operations and reducing carbon emissions for sustainable business practices.
"PT Timah’s initiatives are expected not only to have a positive environmental impact but also to enhance the company’s competitiveness in an increasingly green economy-driven global industry," he concluded. (*)
